Grab your friends and family and help us count Western ringtail possums across the catchment for the 8th annual Ringtail Tally.
The Tally is a great way for community members of all ages to engage in citizen science and help in the conservation of a critically endangered species. The information gained from the tally is building a reliable set of observation data that will improve our knowledge about where Western Ringtail Possums are found and in what numbers. This information is then used as a reference for population trends, future planning decisions and conservation projects. The data becomes more valuable each year the Tally is repeated.
Whether you live on an urban block with a small garden; close to a bushland or reserve; or have a large rural property, you can contribute to conservation of the western ringtail possum by counting the possums you see. The tally starts on Sunday 7th April and the idea is to count ringtails in your designated location on at least one occasion over 4 weeks, completing the tally by Saturday 4th May.
The Ringtail Tally was established by GeoCatch in 2016, in partnership with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Now in its 8th year, the Tally has expanded beyond the original Geographe Bay Catchment area. Nature Conservation Margaret River, Leschenault Catchment Council , Wirambi Landcare and Oyster Harbour Catchment Group now run the project with their local communities, making it a truly regional event. The ongoing success of the Tally is not possible without the generous contribution of community participants, DBCA and partner organisations.
Signing up to participate is easy. Just register for the tally above and choose a location which is easy for you to access. You must count in the same location each time.
If you need any further information please contact reception@leschenaultcc.org.au
Information on previous years Tally’s can be found on the GeoCatch website: https://www.geocatch.asn.au/living-with-possums/possum-tally/
This project formed part of our threatened species project, in partnership with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and was supported by the South West Catchments Council, through previous funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.